Alaska Airlines Pet Policies

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You can share your vacation experience with your pet thanks to Alaska Airlines, one of several airlines that allow customers to bring their pets with them. To protect the safety of both your pet and other passengers, Alaska asks pet owners to follow certain policies when it comes to preparing their animal companion for travel.

Pets in the Cabin

You can carry on two cats, dogs, birds or rabbits in the general cabin--one per seat, with the seat adjacent to yours also booked in your name--or one pet in Alaska's first class cabin. If you bring a cat or dog, it must be at least 8 weeks old and be completely weaned. You are not allowed to remove your pet from its carrier at any time. The pet should be small enough that its carrier can fit under the seat in front of you. Under-seat dimensions vary by the aircraft. Call Alaska to determine the seat dimensions for your specific flight.

Typical Weather

Juneau, Alaska in

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The temperature in Juneau, Alaska in February tends to be very predictable, so you can generally count on the forecast and travel light.

The temperature in Juneau, Alaska in February is somewhat unpredictable, so be on the safe side and prepare for a variety of conditions.

The temperature in Juneau, Alaska in February is highly unpredictable, so use the forecast as a guide, but be ready for anything!

Cabin Limitations

Notify Alaska Airlines in advance that you plan to bring a pet. A maximum of five pets are allowed in the general cabin. The first class cabin can hold only one pet. You can't bring your pet into the cabin if other passengers have booked their pets' travel first and the maximum spots have been allotted.

Pets as Baggage

You can put your pet on an Alaska Airlines flight as baggage if it is too big for the cabin or if the cabin already has met its pet allowance. This is ideal for large cats and dogs, or exotic pets like pigs and non-poisonous reptiles. Alaska Airlines requires that you check-in an hour early to give the airline time to load your pet. Your pet also will be one of the last items off of the plane, disembarking 30 minutes after your flight has landed.

Baggage Breed Restrictions

Due to changes in pressure in the baggage compartment, Alaska Airlines accepts some breeds of pets only at your own risk without access to optional travel insurance. These include pets that traditionally have a harder time breathing, such as Persian cats and English bulldogs. Contact the airline to determine if your pet's breed is affected.

Carriers

All pets must be in a carrier that meets the International Air Transport Association's guidelines. For example, the carrier must have ventilation areas, be big enough for your pet to stand and turn and be leak-proof. If you're shipping your pet as baggage, the carrier can measure a maximum of 30 inches tall, 27 inches wide and 40 inches deep, and weigh a maximum of 151 pounds with your pet inside.

Health Documentation

Get a health certificate from your pet's licensed veterinarian within 30 days of flying on Alaska Airlines if your Alaska flight takes you across state borders. If your flight is taking you to a destination where the temperature reaches 45 degrees F or lower, Alaska also requires a note on the certificate stating that your pet is able to handle this temperature. Additionally, pets traveling to another state or within the state of Alaska must have a document showing they've been vaccinated for rabies.

Prices

Alaska Airlines charges $100 for a one-way trip for pets as carry-ons in the cabin or as checked baggage, as of February 2010. Additional fees might be charged by other airlines if you are connecting to another carrier. Contact Alaska Airlines' reservations line toll-free at 800-252-7522 for more information.

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About the Author

Joshua Duvauchelle is a certified personal trainer and health journalist, relationships expert and gardening specialist. His articles and advice have appeared in dozens of magazines, including exercise workouts in Shape, relationship guides for Alive and lifestyle tips for Lifehacker. In his spare time, he enjoys yoga and urban patio gardening.

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